"In the days after a disaster like Hurricane Sandy the City relies more than ever on nonprofit partners for help," said Mayor Bloomberg

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A series of initiatives to help non-profit agencies recover and rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Sandy were unveiled Tuesday by Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Bloomberg announced a $26 million bridge loan program, free legal assistance for nonprofits, briefings regarding federal reimbursements and filing procedures, and support for nonprofits at the city's Restoration Centers.

NYC Nonprofit Recovery Loan Program: The Fund for the City of New York will administer the program, which will provide interest-free loans of $5,000 to $100,000 to city nonprofits affected by Hurricane Sandy. Those hardest-hit will be given priority.

Legal help: 1,400 volunteer attorneys from the
Lawyers Alliance for New York City will provide guidance to nonprofits on matters of real
estate, employment law, government grants and loans, operating disaster
relief programs, and insurance coverage. For more information, call 212-219-1800, extension 224.

Briefings: More than 500 nonprofits have attended FEMA applicant briefing sessions coordinated by City Hall, in
partnership with city, state and federal agencies.
Nonprofits can also register for help at the Staten Island NYC Restoration
Center, 1976 Hylan Blvd., Dongan Hills. The application deadline for nonprofits to be eligible for FEMA compensation is Sunday," the city announced in its news release. (Individuals and homeowners have until Dec. 31.)

Supplies: The city's reuse center for non-profits, Materials for the Arts, is offering affected groups donated supplies and furniture.

"In the days after a disaster like Hurricane Sandy the City relies more than ever on nonprofit partners for help," Bloomberg said during his announcement Tuesday. "They are trusted by their communities and their close relationships and local knowledge makes them invaluable when it comes to rapid-response. But they too are struggling in the wake of this disaster."